Elaine C Smith to Receive Freedom of Glasgow Honour

The Glasgow City Council has confirmed that actor and comedian Elaine C Smith is set to receive the Freedom of Glasgow. This accolade will be presented during the city’s 850th birthday celebrations in the upcoming year. Notable past recipients of this esteemed city honour include Nelson Mandela, Kenny Dalglish, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Sir Billy Connolly. Smith, aged 66, known for her roles in television series such as Rab C Nesbitt, City Lights, and Two Doors Down, expressed that she was “truly moved” by the recognition. She will be the first woman to be granted this honour since Dame Anna Maxwell Macdonald, who received it in 1969 after donating Pollok House and its art collection to the city three years prior. In 2017, Glasgow City Council rescinded an offer of the honour to Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, who is scheduled to present the award to Smith in 2025, stated: “I’m delighted Elaine C Smith intends to accept Glasgow’s highest honour — the freedom of the city. “A much-loved comedy actress who demonstrates perfectly Glaswegian sensibilities of fun underpinned by straight talking.“I’m excited at the prospect of presenting this award to Elaine and acknowledging her stellar achievements entertaining the nation.”” Smith’s accolades include a BAFTA Scotland award for her portrayal of Christine in Two Doors Down and a Royal Television Society Award for the series Burds Eye View. Beyond her work on screen, she has consistently performed on stage, taking on roles in productions such as The Steamie, Calendar Girls, and recently appearing as the Child Catcher in the national tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Furthermore, she played the role of singer Susan Boyle in the musical I Dreamed a Dream, which she also co-wrote. For many decades, she has been a prominent figure in Glasgow’s pantomime scene. According to a report from Glasgow City Council, the freedom of the city represents the “greatest tribute of respect that the city can bestow on a citizen” and is granted to “persons of distinction or persons who have rendered eminent service to the city.” The honour also acknowledges Smith’s “significant” charitable contributions. She has consistently advocated for causes like ending violence against women and recently secured more than £20,000 for the National Society for the Protection of Children. Additionally, she generated £10,000 for local foodbanks by performing free stand-up shows in Barlanark, Pollok, Knightswood, and Castlemilk. Smith commented: “I cannot tell you how thrilled and truly moved I am. To be awarded the Freedom of the City of Glasgow during its 850th birthday celebrations makes it even more special.“I have been fortunate to have been put forward for a few honours in my life, but none would fill my heart or mean more than being awarded the freedom of this city — my home and the place I love.”” Historically, individuals granted the freedom of the city possessed the right to graze their cows on Glasgow Green and to fish in the Clyde. They also bore the responsibility to patrol and guard the town and to defend it “by arms.” This report was prepared by Local Democracy Reporter Drew Sandelands. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.